Female urogenital surgery
Ovariectomy
Ovariectomy is performed to remove abnormal ovaries, for uterus unicornus (stop ovulation on the side with the missing horn), to improve production in feedlots and to allow shipment of cattle from regions with tuberculosis.
Note: pig spays (ovariohysterectomy) are easier than dogs. The ovaries have a long pedicle and it is relatively easy to expose the cervic. Laparoscopic OHE is also possible
Ovariectomy can be done transvaginally through a colpotomy incision or via the flank. If exposure is expected to be challenging, the cow can be cast into lateral recumbency and the upper limb retracted. This puts the ovaries right under an incision made in the caudal flank.
Special instruments exist to assist heifer spaying. An ecraseur is effective in older animals but requires a flank incision or larger colpotomy.
Uterine tube resection has been developed as an alternative and uses many of the same instruments but is less risky as it doesn’t involve the ovarian artery.
As with Csections, avoid xylazine. Epinephrine (10 ml of 1:1000 epinephine into cow) does relax the uterus and is reversible with oxyocin.
To avoid adhesions, 3% glycerol in saline or glycerin USP can be used topically in the area. Mix 30 mls in a bottle of saline.
Resources
Dr. Nagorske’s team doing a flank ovariectomy – video
Ecraseur ovariectomy via colpotomy – video
Willis drop technique – video
Uterine Tube Resection by Vaginotomy as an Alternative to Ovariectomy in Mature Cattle. Animals 2023,13,1066.
